Local News
Motorist charged in school bus accident
Marc Valero | Highlands Today
Published: November 27, 2012
AVON PARK - No one was injured Tuesday morning when a motorist struck a stopped school bus picking up students in Avon Park.Published: November 27, 2012
The Florida Highway Patrol cited Jonathan R. Kirk, 21, of Avon Park, with careless driving for failing to maintain a safe distance from traffic ahead, according to the FHP report.
Kirk, driving a 2008 Toyota Scion, was headed southbound on North Olivia Drive approaching the intersection of West Rutland Road behind the school bus at 7:45 a.m., the report shows. The school bus, driven by Margie Taylor Riley, 53, of Avon Park, was stopped at the intersection to pick up students.
The front of the Toyota struck the rear of the school bus, the report states.
Kirk said the glare from the rising sun caused him to reposition his sun visor, according to the report. Kirk became distracted and failed to stop behind the school bus.
The school bus had 19 children on board, the report states.
School Board of Highlands County Transportation Operations Manager Carlene Varnes said the bus carried students headed to Avon Park middle and Avon Park high schools.
There was minimal damage to the school bus and the car did not require towing, she added.
mvalero@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5826